:thumbup: You got what I was saying...the e39's all-in-one cargo cover/parcel net & its 2nd storage set up when the entire rear cargo area is needed (rear seats folded down) was top notch function & design form.

The e53's design (to me) was a slight step backwards. I was disappointed that the cargo cover only has a singular function...and there's no place to store the cargo cover if an unplanned purchase/pickup requires removing it & lowering the rear seat backs...except to lay it across the floor in front of the rear seats...or somehow wedge/place it somewhere along side what ever is packed in the cargo area.

We agree with the mounting hook locations (as I mentioned item #5 & #7 in the diagram) for the e53's parcel net. The e53's parcel net was designed to be used in the rearward and forward location. But where it failed in comparison to the e39's setup is...the net is autonomous and not integrated into the cargo cover's cassette...plus there's no 2nd storage location for the cargo cover when the rear seats are folded down.

If one did get the e53's parcel net...it has to be stored separately to keep from losing it...then the net itself has 2 pieces...the net and the anchor (#9 in the diagram)...which makes it kind of cumbersome to install it when needed. The e39's parcel net only required pulling it upward...as it was designed to be self-extracted & self-retracted out/in of the cargo cover's cassette.

It looks like mine has the connect points behind the front seats, but I still think I would prefer the bars over a net. Downside of the bars is that the supports would go to the roof, where the moon roof is, making it so you can't open it when the barrier is in place.

Part #9 is not an anchor. It is an optional storage bag. Part 1 is everything you need. I keep mine rolled and tucked behind the seats. Takes about 5 minutes to install, a little longer to dismount and put away. I found mine on Craigslist for $80 in new condition. Works well with the dogs or any loose gear.

Sorted - found a (virtually) brand-new E53 cargo net on a local trading site (TradeMe) for NZ$100 so I snapped it up. :D

Same setup as Qsilver7 posted - this image: -

http://thumbs4.picclick.com/d/l400/p...go-Net-E53.jpg

Not going to use it a lot but it's nice to have for the odd occasion when I stack stuff up in the back. And given it's list price here in NZ is around NZ$1k, I wasn't ever going to get a new one! ;)

Great find...good price. :thumbup:

Nice find wpoll - I'd suggest that you won't want to use it very often, as it's a complete PIA to set up/install.
Don't know why BMW didn't simply emulate the E39 Touring's brilliant cargo net design for the X5, but there you have it. :dunno:

Ditto...I guess the e39's cargo cover/parcel net was the pinnacle...and it's been downhill since. I do believe the new gen BMW SAVs & Tourings also don't incorporate the e39's all-in-one design with the ability to "store & go" if out & about and it needs to be moved out of the way to make room for loading the cargo area.

Doesn't make sense that they abandoned a great design. :damn: